Chapter 18
"Let's do this," said Eugeo, running a hand through his flaxen colored hair. He was glad to have the chance to finally rid himself of Galen, but thinking back to the first ritual he did with the Pontifex, he couldn't help but be a little wary.
"Right," Selka nodded, opening the sack she was carrying. "Alice?" she called.
The blonde swordswoman stepped up, her blue eyes narrowed at Eugeo. Without breaking eye contact, she held out her hand. Her sister placed the scroll from Iskahn into it. Flicking it open, she quickly skimmed the contents. "When do we start?"
"I've already created a circle," Cardinal said, her staff pointed at the ground, where a large blue circle sat with unusual patterns and symbols decorating its edges. She looked over at me, nodding her head.
I stepped up behind Eugeo, ready to force him inside.
"I know, I know," Eugeo muttered, entering the circle himself without any prodding.
Cardinal followed him. "Down to where I can look at you."
Eugeo did as told, getting onto his knees. Cardinal took Eugeo's chin in her hand, her caramel-colored eyes boring into Eugeo's emerald-colored ones. "Should this ritual go…" she paused, "…poorly…"
"I understand," Eugeo replied, not needing any further explanation.
Sighing heavily, she added, "Between you and Kirito, you two do not make my life easy."
Eugeo laughed softly. "I can see that."
Cardinal's hand went to press against Eugeo's chest, right over the blue rose tattoo. "From the power I sense here, a piety module is involved. Should it survive the ritual, I would like to study it."
"You can do whatever you want with it," Eugeo glowered, "Just keep it away from me."
"Of course," Cardinal clipped. "Now, offer me your wrists."
Eugeo blinked, then complied. Cardinal produced a key from her robes, and she quickly opened up the manacles. They dropped to the ground where they disappeared. Blue tendrils were already snaking their way across his skin. Eugeo grit his teeth, as he could already sense Galen stirring within him.
Cardinal leaned in to further study Eugeo, noting the small fangs that had appeared from his lips. "Hmm…" The blonde's eyes had also shifted to icy blue, narrowing directly at her. "You don't like this, do you?" she asked. Eugeo tried to pull away, until Cardinal's hand stopped him. "Good," she snapped. Rising to her feet, Cardinal gestured towards Selka to enter the circle.
The young girl knelt down in front of Eugeo, then withdrew a small bowl and container. She opened the container, spilling its contents into the bowl. The liquid was clear and it smelled of a variety of herbs and flowers. It wasn't entirely unpleasant, but it took some getting used to. Selka folded up a small cloth, then dipped it into the liquid. Ringing it out, she gently took Eugeo's wrists into her hands and began to wipe them. Selka continued rubbing her cloth up Eugeo's arms and onto his shoulders, chest, and back. Rinsing it again, she took the rag and lightly wiped at his face. "The subject has been cleansed," she said. She went to exit the circle when Eugeo, or rather, Galen, spoke softly.
"Do not think this will stop me."
"You underestimate us," Selka said stiffly.
"You underestimate me," Galen countered, reaching for her and latching onto Selka's arm.
Cardinal muttered a few words and blue light shot up from the rings of the circle. The tendrils on Eugeo's body began to glow, searing his body as if it were on fire. He screamed, releasing Selka, who quickly scurried away from him.
I frowned, looking at Cardinal.
"Do not interfere, Thirty-Three," she threatened. "That part had a purpose." We turned towards Eugeo.
He was lying on the ground panting, the tendrils pulsing with a soft light. To one side, Cardinal angled her staff into the circle to just above where Eugeo's collar sat. Runes lit up along it, then she dipped it down towards Eugeo's neck. Matching runes lit up along the collar and when the two connected, it clicked open and disappeared. Power surged immediately as Galen took full control. From Eugeo's back, icy vines ripped through flesh and lashed out towards the acting Pontifex. "System Call," she chanted. From the circle, a brilliant blue light flashed and the rings on the circle began to rotate. Cardinal didn't flinch as the vines hit the barrier directly in front on her. It shook, but held firm.
Eugeo got to his hands and knees, the vines from his back flicking back and forth threateningly. His eyes went from me, to Selka, to Alice, and finally landing on Cardinal. "You're fools, all of you…." he snarled.
Cardinal slammed her staff into the ground, more power surging within the circle. The tendrils on Eugeo's body glowed even brighter that we had to shield our eyes. Sparks danced from the barrier directly into Eugeo. His screams were twice what they were before. After a few moments, Eugeo was laying prone on the ground, his breaths labored and shallow. He rose shakily to his hands and knees, pure hatred burning in his eyes.
I took a step forward, my golden eyes blazing. She never said anything about this ritual hurting him to this degree.
"I believe I already told you not to interfere," Cardinal said flatly, daring me to move again. Placing her attention back onto Eugeo she said, "Synthesis Zero, you are a parasite. You will be separated from your host's body, your soul absorbed into oblivion. Not even Stacia would want you after the things you've done." Cardinal's eyes widened a fraction as she saw Galen pale just the slightest. So, he still believed in the goddesses of this world. Interesting. Nodding to Selka, the young girl removed the Netherbane candle from her sack and struck a match. Its light was the typical orange and red mix, but when applied to the candle, it changed to blues and purples. Looking to Alice, she ordered, "Start the incantation."
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Eugeo could hear Alice speaking, but couldn't make out the actual words. He wasn't sure what was happening outside, but inside his subconsciousness, the ice prison his soul was kept in had cracked and shattered. Brushing away the debris, he stepped over the shards and looked around. Where was Galen? Heading to his left, the corridors were filled with an inky darkness and an oppressive emptiness, when suddenly, a variety of screens came to life. "What's going on?" he furred his brow. Studying them, he realized they were playing memories. Memories of himself and Kirito, which always made him happy. He watched as he relived his days from the Gigas Cedar to life at Swordcraft Academy to their ascension to the top of Central Cathedral. Not wanting to relive his death, nor all the actions he'd done after being resurrection, he turned away. His eyes lit up seeing the Blue Rose Sword floating before him. Goddesses, how he loved that sword. Reaching his hand out, his fingers gripping the hilt with admiration, he was stuck with more memories, although these were not his own…
Galen answered the knock at his door, only to find a letter laying on his doorstep. His blue eyes widened as he saw the Axiom Church's emblem emblazed on it. He picked it up gently, then slipped back inside his house.
"Who was it honey?" called a female voice from the kitchen. Receiving no reply, she stepped from the other room and approached her husband.
"It's from…her." Galen said in awe. He opened the letter carefully, his eyes scanning its contents. "The Pontifex says she's considering my plans for a new organization of the Underworld, one that doesn't require the use of the Taboo Index or Judicial Authority. She wants to meet with me personally to go over the details."
"I don't know…" the woman said warily.
"Himari," Galen replied, "This is an opportunity. If my plans go through, this world will be so much better for our children and future generations. They will not have to go through the hardships you and I did. Speaking of, where are they?"
"Outside feeding the animals," Himari said. "They really do enjoy the farm. I do hope their callings will relate to it somehow."
"And if they don't?" Galen raised a brow. "I believe people should be free to choose their own path. Which is something I want to go over with the Pontifex as well. I'll be leaving at first light to head to Centoria."
"You are the strangest twenty-seven-year-old," Himari placed a hand on Galen's cheek. "You think so differently from everyone else. It's one of the things I love most about you." She pulled him in close for a kiss. "I'll still worry about you."
"There is no need," Galen said, patting the unique weapon that hung at his waist. "As long as I have my trusted Blue Rose Sword, I can handle anything."
"It still amazes me you can wield it when no one else can," Himari said in wonder. "But it's not the beasts that concern me…" Himari looked away quickly, her mood darkening, "I've heard stories. Stories about the Pontifex and how powerful and…beautiful…she is…"
"Stop right there," Galen placed a hand under his wife's chin and lifted her face up. "I have a gorgeous wife and four wonderful young children. There is no way the Pontifex can compete with that."
"Oh Galen," Himari leaned into his touch. "I know your heart is in the right place. Just remember, your children need you." Her amber colored eyes looked directly into Galen's blue ones. "I need you," she whispered. "Please come back to us safe."
Galen lifted Himari's hands in his own, bringing them to his lips for a kiss across her knuckles. "Always."
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After nearly a week's hike into Centoria, Galen now found himself inside the Central Cathedral, at floor 100 no less. He was trying not to be nervous, but it was difficult being in the presence of someone so powerful. Not to mention the fact there was a giant bed in the middle of the room. Pontifex knelt atop it, her hand running lazily through her long tendrils of lilac colored hair. Her eyes were half-lidded, and she wasn't wearing much in terms of clothing other than white half socks and a ring of lace around her head. The stories were true, Pontifex was beautiful, but underneath that façade was a viper, waiting to strike. "Like what you see?" Administrator purred, rising from her bed, her body moving like a predatory cat. Striding up to Galen, her hand went to cup his cheek, her fingers playing at the flaxen colored hair that hung by his ears. With her other hand, she took one of his own, then placed it upon her ample breast.
Galen frowned, taking a step back. "Not to offend, Pontifex, but I'm a married man."
"I see," Pontifex said, signaling to someone in the next room. "What is her name?"
"Himari," Galen replied. "Though I fail to see what she has to do with our discussion of dissolving the Taboo Index and Axiom Church…" He was abruptly cut off when a tiny, round man bounced into the room wearing a jester type outfit.
"You shouldn't say such things," the little man thrust his finger at Galen's chest. "Although by doing so, it makes you a perfect candidate," he then clapped his hands gleefully.
"Yes, Chudelkin," Pontifex added wickedly. "I know."
Galen glanced between the Pontifex and Chudelkin, who were now boxing him in from both sides. Never did he envision he'd be setup like this. He withdrew his sword, leveling it at the both of them. "This was never about my ideas, was it?"
"What you speak of is heresy," Pontifex clipped. "Your thoughts and motivations are dangerous in my perfect world. Once you are synthesized, you will serve a greater purpose," Pontifex added, "Mine." She looked over at Chudelkin, whose body inflated like a balloon, only to 'pop,' sending out a red cloud of gas.
Galen tried to cover his nose and mouth to keep out the fumes, but it didn't take more than a few seconds for the paralysis to sink in. His sword dropped from his hand, clanging against the ground. His body collapsed soon afterwards, completely numb.
Chudelkin hopped around Galen's body, withdrawing a piece of paper and pen from his pocket. "Let's see…Himari was it?" He tapped his chin with the feather pen. "Himari…this letter is to inform you of your husband's death…"
Galen paled.
Pontifex stepped up to Galen. "Don't worry, your wife and family will be compensated. As for you, you'll become a test subject in my research. For you see, there's a ritual I've been wanting to try…"
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Outside, I found myself pacing as Alice continued to chant, Selka lighting more and more of the candle. As she did, the tendrils snaking across Eugeo's body continued to pulse, though they were lightening in color, some even dissipating into thin wisps of smoke. Eugeo stared at his arms, watching as traces of Galen seemed to be leaving him. And yet… Cardinal looked on; her mouth set in a grim line. All was quiet, until the ground gave the slightest rumble. We all felt it, then turned and looked to see a beast plodding through the forest and heading our way. It was covered in vines, moss, and bark, with glowing blue eyes. It had thick heavy-set legs, with a stubby tail. The closest I could equate it to was a very, very, large tiger. It roared, sending out a dense purple spray. As it shot towards us, we could see that whatever got in its way corroded and dissolved in seconds. Acid? Cardinal, Alice, Selka, and I dodged out of the way, when the acid hit squarely at the circle Eugeo was inside. It hissed and sizzled, cracks snaking along its surface. The tiger beast charged, headbutting the barrier.
Switching into attack mode, I withdrew my Night Sky Blade, and shouted, "Vorpal Strike!"
"Dammit," Alice muttered. There were only four more wicks that needed to be lit. Withdrawing her Osmanthus Blade, she shoved the scroll at Selka. "Hold onto this."
"No!" Cardinal shouted. "You must keep going!"
"There's no use if he's dead," Alice flatlined. She launched her own attack, choosing a Sonic Leap.
Alice and I hit the beast at the same time, our weapons bouncing harmlessly off the creature's tough hide.
"That thing's armor stats must be through the roof!" I growled. "Let's try attacking together again." Alice nodded, and we both slipped into the attack form for Nova Ascension. Our blades struck the beast continuously, but it only made nicks and scratches. The beast barely giving us the time of day, it shook off our attacks like they were nothing.
"Do you think this is Synthesis Zero's doing?" Alice looked at me.
"The barrier may be in distress, but Synthesis Zero is still contained," Cardinal said pointedly. "This beast is acting on its own."
Alice and I looked at each other, we weren't so sure.
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Galen was being pulled along by Chudelkin down from the 100th floor. The little clown man was humming happily to himself as they entered a section on the 95th floor. It was merely a hallway with rooms to either side. As they walked past, Galen could hear other people behind the doors who were either moaning, pleading, or crying.
"Here we are," Chudelkin opened a door into a small, sparsely furnished room. Inside was only a heavyset chair which was nailed to the floor with straps along the arms and legs of it. Unable to do anything due to the paralysis, Galen could only watch as he was dragged up into the chair, then strapped in it. Galen heard something like a pedestal being dragged behind him, shuffling as the little man climbed up it. Chudelkin lifted two boards from the backside, which had curves cut from them, then brought them together, snapping them around Galen's neck to keep his head up. He hopped back down, slapping his hands together in a job well done gesture to himself.
"Oh! Your eminence!" Chudelkin was startled as Pontifex entered into the room. "I just finished getting him set up," He bowed deep.
"There is no hurry as he'll have plenty of time once I freeze his aging process," Pontifex said casually.
Galen was shocked. Freeze his aging process?
"Now, leave us," she shooed Chudelkin. Pontifex's eyes followed the little man and closed the door behind him. Smiling, she took it upon herself to take a seat on Galen's lap.
Chudelkin should've left as instructed, but paused. Quietly, he tip-toed back, noticing the door had not fully closed, and put his eye up to the crack in the doorway.
Pontifex ran a hand through Galen's long flaxen-colored bangs, her lilac-colored eyes staring straight into his blue ones. "I know how you struggle with your place in the world. Wondering why you were so different. Allow me to give you the purpose you seek." Placing her fingers against his temples she said, "System Call…" A sharp jolt went through Galen's mind, bringing with it an uncomfortable pain.
Galen was panting. What the hell was that?
"Tell me," Pontifex said casually, "Where were you born?"
Galen went to answer when he frowned, confusion crossing his face.
"It's okay if you don't remember," Pontifex leaned in close as if sharing a secret. "That is the idea after all."
"What…Why?" Galen croaked out the words, the paralysis finally starting to dissolve.
"You will be the first of an elite group of what I'm calling Integrity Knights, sworn only to me." Barely a breath away from him, Pontifex's eyes grew lustful as they travelled across his face. "Just think, If I tell you to kiss me, you'll kiss me," she murmured, her mouth opening slightly as she pressed it up against Galen's lips. Her hand, meanwhile, stroked down his chest and stomach, going to massage at his crotch. She could feel him getting hard for her.
Chudelkin grew green with envy. How he wished Pontifex would kiss and touch him like that.
"Mmm," Pontifex moaned into Galen's mouth. After their kiss, she pulled away, licking her lips. She arched a brow, seeing Galen's eyes narrow at her. "Oh ho, you can't tell me you don't like it," she tsked.
"I'd rather you kill me now," Galen deadpanned.
"Death is the easy way out," Pontifex waved a finger at him. "Insanity is what usually happens, but I feel confident in you." Sighing heavily, she slid off Galen's lap. "Alas, I must leave you for other matters." She walked gracefully out the door.
Chudelkin scuddled back into the shadows as the door opened. He watched and remained quiet until Pontifex had disappeared down the hallway. Making a bold move, he slid into Galen's room just before the door clicked shut.
These people were crazy, Galen thought to himself. He needed to get out of here as soon as possible. He could soon feel his arms and fingers tingle as the nerves came back to life. He tried to pull away, but the straps held firm. He tried to kick his legs out, but it too was to no avail.
Galen growled, seeing Chudelkin staring at him.
"You're lively now, but we'll see…" Chudelkin went around Galen and got back onto his little pedestal. The little man then placed his clammy fingers against Galen's temples. Wasting no time, he muttered, "System Call…"
An intense, sharp pain shot through Galen's mind. He grit his teeth, his eyes watering. More and more pressure was applied as sacred power pulsed between them. He could feel blood starting to seep from his ears and nose, and he wanted to cry out. But he'd never give Chudelkin the satisfaction. He had endured a few moments, but soon blacked out.
After getting no response from Galen, Chudelkin dropped his hands. It wasn't any fun if your subject wasn't conscious.
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Galen had lost track of how much time had passed since he'd been imprisoned. There were no windows to the outside or church bells to signal the passing hours, days, years? He hadn't seen anything other than this room since he was brought here. Still strapped to the chair, he had endured session after session of painful rituals, which left him with constant pounding headaches, and a mind that had been damaged so badly he could only remember two things, how to breathe and his name.
Pontifex was visiting him this time and was perched in his lap once again. In her hands, was the most wonderful sword he'd ever seen. She was stroking the blade up and down sensually, watching him as she did so. "I see you recognize this. Do not worry, your sword skills are still in place. They are merely dormant for the time being." Placing the sword down gently, she wrapped her legs around Galen's waist, crossing them at the ankles. Her arms went over his shoulders as she looked into his dulled eyes. "It has taken me two years to get you to this point. You are the only one to survive my experiments this long. I am very happy with you," she purred. "As such, I have a gift." She withdrew a small purple prism and flashed it in front of his face. "You are at the point where I can finally rebuild. Now, repeat after me. System Call. Release Core Protection."
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"We need to get it away from the barrier!" I shouted, drawing my arm back as my fingertips glowed red. "Flame Arrows!" It hit the monster on point, and it roared, turning to look at me. "That's right, over here!" I taunted.
The beast made a threatening step towards me, then seemed almost to…smirk? I took a step back, but was tripped up by vines which had enveloped me from my hips to my shoulders. From them, I heard a hissing noise from over my shoulder. I glanced back to see a brightly colored flower with very sharp teeth at its center. With my hands trapped at my sides, I couldn't reach my sword. It latched onto me, teeth like a thousand needles as it bit into the fleshy part of my neck.
"Hang on, Kirito," Cardinal called, coming to my aid with a dagger. She swung it furiously at the vines, cutting into them, sending blood spraying. No, not blood, acid, and it burned like a bitch.
"Stop!" I could barely get the word out, choking back the blood in my throat.
Cardinal stopped midswing, her dagger arm wrapped up by vines. She was pulled back, the motion nearly dislocating her shoulder. More vines wrapped around her and began to constrict. Her eyes widened as she was brought before the plant monster's sharp floral center, its teeth gnashing. It tore into her shoulder, chewing on her flesh as if it were jerky.
Meanwhile, Alice had dodged a third plant beast that had materialized behind her, and headed straight for the tiger herself. Her fingers were glowing red as mine did earlier, growing ablaze with fire. She leapt towards the tiger beast, only to be knocked away with a swing from its heavily armored tail. She skid along the ground, coming to rest in a puff of smoke. She could barely catch her breath before the beast loomed over her, its teeth jagged bark, and she felt her skin sizzle and burn with the acidic drool that dripped from its jaws. It opened its jaw wide to bite down when Alice put her hands out, one on each jaw, keeping the beast's mouth open.
"Did you send these beasts?" Selka said accusingly.
Glancing down at the small nun who held onto that damn candle and scroll, Galen could see the terror and fear on her face. "Would you believe me if I said no?"
Selka's eyes widened. She knew she was no fighter, but she was kneeling right next to one. "If…" she began hesitantly, "If, I were to free you…"
Galen's eyes widened. This girl was either very smart to utilize his skills or very stupid to let him out.
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"Galen, you've certainly proved yourself capable on all levels," Pontifex said, her hand resting on his shoulder.
"Anything for you, my lady," Galen replied, down on one knee before her.
"I love it when you call me that," Pontifex smiled to herself. Her little experiment had finally given her the results she wanted. Galen had become her enforcer, protector, and dare she say, lover. Of course, not everyone was happy about that last part, her lilac-colored eyes sliding over to where Chudelkin stood to her right. She squeezed Galen's shoulder lightly, signaling to him that he may leave. He bowed his head, rose, and left her room.
"What is it?" Pontifex snapped at the little clown man.
"Your eminence," Chudelking began. "The Underworld is expanding very quickly. Don't you think it's time you did the same with your Knights?"
"Hmm…" Pontifex said thoughtfully. "It has been three years now that Galen has been at my side. Perhaps it is time to expand."
Chudelkin clapped his hands. "I have two in mind already, Bercouli and Fanatio. They are superior fighters and will make great commanders of your Knights."
"That would make more time for me and Galen to enjoy each other," Pontifex said lustfully.
"Must you continue to rut with that commoner?" Chudelkin made a sour face.
Pontifex narrowed her eyes. "Need I remind you he was a success in a long line of failures." Flipping her hair over her shoulder, she continued, "It is only fair he gets rewarded for it."
"True," Chudelkin admitted grudgingly. "However," the little clown man smiled evilly, "His time may be coming to an end."
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Inside his subconscious, Eugeo was shoved back from the Blue Rose Sword. All the memories he'd been seeing abruptly cut off. Intrigued as he was, he'd have to analyze them later.
"I need my sword," Galen growled. He stepped up to the blade, his hand disappearing right through it. The ritual was working and he was slowly being erased from Eugeo's body. Fuck.
"I'll be taking this." Eugeo replaced his hand onto his beloved sword, determination across his face.
"Fine. But it won't matter. My contingency plan is already in place."
Eugeo stopped for a moment, realization dawning. "You don't mean…?" Renly?!
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Eugeo turned green eyes towards the frightened nun. "Selka, please, you have to let me out."
"Eugeo?" Selka looked up at him, uncertainty causing her to waver.
Kneeling inside the circle, Eugeo placed his hands against the barrier and said, "It's me. I'll promise, I'll help Kirito and the others."
"But if Synthesis Zero takes over…" Selka began worriedly.
"He's not going to," Eugeo said flatly.
Cardinal glanced over to where Selka and Eugeo were conversing. She could see Selka's lips moving in a chant, the barrier starting to flicker and fade. She wouldn't! Within seconds, it shattered like glass. The restraining blue circle faded, its light winking out. Eugeo stood to his full height, then thrust his sword into the ground near his feet. "Enhance Armament!" he shouted. Blue shards of ice danced away from him, headed straight for the attacking beasts. They enveloped the creatures and the people they held captive. Eugeo knew his friends didn't have much time before their air supply was cut off. He dashed towards Kirito first, using the butt of his sword to crack the ice around his best friend.
I drew in a deep breath of fresh air as I fell into Eugeo's arms.
"Are you okay?" Eugeo asked me. His eyes widened as he saw the nasty wounds along my neck. "That thing really did a number on you."
"I'll live," I winced. Looking around at how the forest was blanketed in ice, I said, "There really is nothing quite like your Enhance Armament against multiple foes."
"You can be impressed later," Eugeo replied, already moving towards Cardinal. I went to follow, before pausing to grab my sword. I swung it true against the plant beast that held me captive, causing it to break into a million pieces. Getting rained on by ice crystals was much better than getting rained on by acid.
We ran over to Cardinal, our swords already hacking into the plant beast that held her hostage. As the plant beast crumbled, I knelt down to catch Cardinal before she hit the ground. Her eyes fluttered open, her cheeks turning pink as she looked into my golden eyes. Quickly, she shooed me away and went to stand on her own two feet. Dusting herself off, she turned, picked up her staff, and pointed it at Eugeo.
Eugeo put up his hands in a surrender pose.
"Pontifex," I cut in, "I will personally take responsibility if Eugeo does anything that does not meet with your approval."
"I will hold you to that," Cardinal slowly lowered her staff. She eyed the tear along my neck and collarbone. "You will need healing before continuing."
"I'm fine," I countered.
"She's right, Kirito," Eugeo said. "Heal up. I'll go get Alice."
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Eugeo made his way towards the tiger beast. He warily approached it, as he could see cracks starting to appear in the ice that imprisoned it. Dropping to the ground, he saw Alice, her lips turning blue as well as her skin, her hands still holding the jaws of the tiger beast open. Eugeo would have to be extremely careful in melting only the ice that bound her. On his right hand, his fingers lit up red as heat emitted from them, and he placed them carefully along her face and head. Alice's eyes snapped open, and she turned them towards Eugeo.
"I do not need help from you," Alice snapped.
"Seriously?" Eugeo's eyes narrowed, watching as she continued to struggle and wiggle against the ice that enveloped her. Above her, the tiger beast began to break free from its bounds as well.
"You should've killed it," Alice muttered.
"With you in the process?" Eugeo countered. "Never!"
He sounded sincere, and yet, visions of his attack on her danced in front of her eyes.
The beast continued to break free, ice cracking and breaking as it felt from its body.
Shit. She had no choice. Alice's hands finally separated from the beast and gripped tightly onto Eugeo's free hand. He pulled her out from under the tiger, snapping the last of the ice that held her lower body. They'd barely made it out before the beast's jaws opened wide, issuing a loud, angry roar. It shook its body free, its eyes glowing blue in rage. It stamped its feet, flattening the ground where Alice had been only seconds earlier. Eugeo and Alice ducked behind a nearby tree, waiting for the beast to turn away from them.
"Thank you," Alice said coldly and stiffly. "Now, what is the plan?"
"Good question," I chimed in.
"Kirito?" Alice and Eugeo said in unison.
"What?" I shrug. "I'm healed."
Eugeo eyed me.
"Well, mostly," my eyes darted away.
"Where's Selka?" Alice cut in anxiously.
"Safe with Cardinal at the moment," I replied. I could see the relief on Alice's face. She really did care about her sister. "So…." I began, waving my hand.
"We should attack the big one together," said Eugeo.
"Alice and I already tried that, it barely scratched the damn thing," I frowned.
"When I said together, I meant," Eugeo tilted his head towards me, then Alice. "All three of us."
End Chapter 18